Horsham Rural City Council joins housing industry leaders at forum

Published on 14 August 2025

Image: Horsham Mayor Cr Ian Ross, Danny O’Brien MP and Horsham Rural City Council CEO Gail Gatt

Horsham Rural City Council joined regional leaders and industry representatives at a high-level forum at Parliament House this week Wednesday 13 August to collaborate on the future of housing, infrastructure, and economic development across Victoria’s regional cities.

Convened by Regional Cities Victoria (RCV), the forum included key stakeholders from the REIV, HIA, UDIA, Property Council, Infrastructure Victoria, and Master Builders Victoria to identify shared priorities for managing Victoria’s growth over the next 25 years.

RCV’s priorities for sustainable growth aligns with Infrastructure Victoria’s draft 30-year strategy, which emphasises the importance of place-based planning, long-term infrastructure coordination, and stronger investment in regional areas to support housing supply and employment.

“It’s vital that regional voices are heard in planning Victoria’s future. By working together with industry leaders, we can make sure our region gets the right housing, infrastructure, and jobs to support long-term growth and prosperity,” said Mayor Cr Ian Ross.

Key themes discussed include:

the need for essential infrastructure investment – such as roads, public transport, water, and energy – to unlock housing and support new communities as they grow;

addressing skills shortages in local government roles like surveying, planning and civil engineering;

addressing skills shortages in trades, attracting qualified builders and tradespeople to the region;

restoring confidence in regional investment following the scrapping of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF); and

ongoing support for Victoria’s drought-affected areas, and opposition to the newly introduced Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy, which diverts up to $60 million annually from regional councils.

“Our region is ready to embrace growth, and it’s essential that regional cities are a key focus in the state’s long-term planning,” said Cr. Ross. “We have the resources and potential to thrive, and now is the time for our needs to be prioritised,” said Cr Ross.

“By collaborating with industry leaders and prioritising regional needs, we are not just planning for growth – we are shaping a future where regional cities like ours can thrive, build resilience, and offer vibrant, sustainable communities for generations to come," said Council CEO Gail Gatt.

As the 2026 Victorian State Election approaches, Horsham Rural City Council joins with other regional cities and industry leaders in calling for genuine partnership, strategic investment, and a shared commitment to balanced, statewide growth.